Fujifilm’s GFX 50R could be the first truly affordable medium-format camera

Hasselblad-level tech for half the price?

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Medium-format cameras are some of the most legendary in the world of photography – snappers capable of producing mind-blowing images, but with a similarly mind-blowing price tag, starting at several thousand dollars/pounds and only heading up from there. Those prices keep medium-format limited to the realm of professional photographers, or enthusiasts with extremely deep pockets.

That, however, could all be about to change. Hot on the heels of its latest X-T3 mirrorless snapper, Fujifilm is rumored to be close to launching another new camera – one that's set to be the cheapest medium-format shooter ever to hit the market.

First published on Chinese microblogging platform Weibo and discovered by website Fuji Rumors, a photo of the Fujifilm GFX 50R was leaked earlier this month, and now more details about the camera’s specs and price tag have begun to trickle out.

Initially, the rumor mill had the price of the new camera set at about $3,600 (£2,750 / AU$5,050). However, Fuji Rumors has confirmed "from multiple trusted sources" that the GFX 50R is priced at around $4,500 (£3,450 / AU$6,300). It could be that both prices are correct, with the difference being that between the cost of the body on its own and a kit that includes a lens.

In comparison, the medium-format Fujifilm GFX 50S which launched at Photokina 2016 currently costs about $5,849 / £5,999 / AU$9,000.

The spec sheet

No specs have yet been confirmed for the GFX 50R, but rumors suggest it could be similar to the Fujifilm X-E3’s rangefinder-style design, but a bit larger, which would still make it slimmer than the previous GFX 50S.

The GFX 50R is also rumored to have an identical button layout to the X-E3, which includes an exposure compensation and shutter dial, but exclude ISO controls.

Among the other rumored features are the inclusion of a joystick, dual SD card slots and a tilting screen, but no top plate display.

Weibo user Camerabeta – the original source of the leaked image of the GFX 50R – also suggests that the GFX 50R could launch with a new 40mm-equivalent pancake lens.

However, all the details we currently have on the Fujifilm GFX 50R are rumors, including the launch date. If the latter turns out to be true, we’ll see the new camera make its first official appearance on September 25.